Mexican Creeping Zinnia 'Irish Eyes'

Sanvitalia procumbens 'Irish Eyes' is an overlooked gem of a half-hardy annual, perfect for providing low-level ground cover or trailing from containers. It produces a thick mat of small, oval green leaves smothered in hundreds of tiny, daisy-like flowers. 'Irish Eyes' is unique for its bright yellow petals surrounding a distinctive green central eye, rather than the usual dark brown. Growing only 15cm high but spreading up to 40cm, it is an excellent 'spiller' plant for the edges of pots. In the UK, it is highly valued for its resilience; it is heat-tolerant, drought-tolerant, and generally ignored by slugs and snails. It should be planted out in late May once frosts have passed. It doesn't require deadheading as it is 'self-cleaning', making it a very low-maintenance choice for busy gardeners. It will continue to flower profusely until the first hard frosts of autumn.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Well-drained loam.

Hardiness: H2/H3.

Flowering: Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct.